10 Healthy Sides to Serve at This Year's Holiday Table

Smashed Cauliflower Side Dish

This healthy holiday side dish recipe substitutes that old holiday standby — potatoes — for cauliflower, and with the addition of butter and garlic, your guests won't know the difference. Stocked with fiber and B vitamins, cauliflower brings more than just deliciousness to the table, and it's particularly well-suited for those looking to eliminate a few extra carbs. "This is a great side dish," says Allrecipes user Rosie. "I'm on a low-carb diet and this is a great replacement for potatoes."

• 15 Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Even the Pickiest Eaters Will Love

Italian Baked Zucchini Side Dish

This crunchy, savory side, which harnesses the delicious power of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, is a great way to gratin — without all the cream. It's also easy to make: A half hour in the oven, and you have a side that's tasty and good for you. "Always good to have a quick and easy and delicious veggie to go with dinner," writes Allrecipes user Mc-chef.

• 15 Baked Zucchini Recipes for Sides and Snacks

Asparagus Side Dish

Steamed asparagus and grape tomatoes keep their vibrant colors in this festive healthy holiday side dish, which offers satisfaction from a finishing touch of Parmesan cheese. Since they're not sautéed or fried, these veggies are better for you — but they sacrifice none of the taste. "Super easy, very, very tasty, and pretty on the plate, to boot!," writes Allrecipes user Frances S.

Quinoa Side Dish

High-protein, high-fiber, amino acid-rich quinoa is healthy in and of itself. But this craveable dish adds to the mix aromatics like onion and garlic, as well as a spritz of citrus. Replace rice, potatoes, or pasta with this better-for-you grain, while still keeping the delicious holiday spirit intact. "Three out of six of us are gluten-intolerant," says Allrecipes user MIRABLUE. "I happened upon this recipe and it has forever changed our life!"

Avocado Side Dish

Potassium-stocked avocado is a healthy addition to any meal. This side dish places the fruit front and center, harnessing its creaminess. "We really enjoyed this dish, and it was so quick and easy to make!" writes Allrecipes user Kristina B.

Sweet Potato Fries

Just one serving of these sweet potato fries can offer an entire day's worth of Vitamin A — but you'll want to make these fries for the taste, too. They're easy to prepare and a hit with anyone craving a bit of starch this holiday season. "Sweet potato fries are a favorite in our house!" says Chef Mo.

Anne's Amazing Roasted Green Beans

Green beans, tossed with olive oil and salt and finished with a little lemon juice, get their deep, compelling flavor in this dish from the heat of the oven. Allrecipes user vicki936 has a pro-tip for anyone making this recipe: "The dark ones are the best," she says. "Will definitely make again!"

• 15 Fresh Green Bean Recipes to Mix Up Your Dinner Sides

Pat's Mushroom Sauté

Balsamic vinegar ups the umami ante on these earthy, delicious mushrooms, which are a low-carb, low-calorie addition to the holiday table. The recipe has plenty of fans, it turns out. "UNREAL!" says Allrecipes user Nikki Filippone. "The balsamic vinegar was the PERFECT touch."

Roasted Carrots and Onions with Fennel Fronds and Honey

Root vegetables find their way to the holiday table in this sweet and savory vegetable preparation that's as compelling as it is healthy. Various textures and flavors marry in the oven to form the perfect healthy holiday side dish. Allrecipes user alanna is a fan: "This turned out sooo yummy. Earthy, sweet, salty, and fresh," they say.

Hazelnut and Fresh Brussels Sprout Salad

If you're sick of the traditional prep for Brussels sprouts (and looking to cut back on a little of the oil required for roasting), try this fresh and beautiful salad, which combines shredded sprouts, fresh herbs, citrus, toasted hazelnuts, and just a touch of bleu cheese. "What a wonderful salad!," writes Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen. "A very interesting mix of flavors and textures."

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